New Hull FC recruit Mahe Fonua says that he’s excited about the opportunity to play in front of some friendly fans for a change – at least judging on his previous visits to the country.
Fonua, who has signed for the Black and Whites ahead of the new season, has played in the UK before at both international and club level – in the 2013 World Cup and a World Club Challenge whilst at Melbourne.
And he says that his previous experiences in England will help him ahead of the new season, and says he’s looking forward to being cheered on for a change!
“I played for Tonga in World Cup over here and for Storm against Leeds in World Club Challenge. It was a nice little ice breaker for me playing in England,” he said.
“I know the crowds here are really upbeat and get full into the games. So I will be happy to playing for an English team where they will be barracking for me rather than against me.”
The former Melbourne star also said that the lure of a lengthy deal with the Black and Whites was a major pull in his move to Super League.
“It was an opportunity to play football for this club and to get some security for my family. They were the major factors,” he added.
“I didn’t know anyone here though I knew names who had played in the NRL like Mark Minichiello, Fetuli Talanoa and Jordan Rankin. But when I was signing they were signing some other good key players so it made the transition easier to come over.”
